California Gov. Gavin Newsom has officially declared Feb. 8 “Bad Bunny Day” across the state, a proclamation timed to coincide with the artist’s upcoming Super Bowl LX halftime performance in Santa Clara.
A Day for ‘El Conejo Malo’: California Celebrates Bad Bunny
The Puerto Rican superstar is getting the key to the Golden State—at least for a day—ahead of his historic Super Bowl appearance.
- Newsom’s declaration recognizes Bad Bunny’s cultural impact and upcoming performance.
- The artist is set to deliver the first primarily Spanish-language Super Bowl halftime show.
- Bad Bunny recently earned Album of the Year at the 2026 Grammy Awards.
- The move arrives amid heightened attention around the artist’s political commentary.
In a move that’s sending ripples through music and pop culture, California Governor Gavin Newsom has officially designated Feb. 8 as “Bad Bunny Day.” The proclamation, announced Saturday via X, celebrates Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio—better known as Bad Bunny—ahead of his highly anticipated halftime show at Super Bowl LX.
“I am declaring tomorrow in California as ‘Bad Bunny Day’ when Bad Bunny performs at the big game in the Golden State with his soothing, beautiful voice, and his very nice looks,” Newsom stated on X. He later doubled down with a playful message, proclaiming himself “a tremendous lover of the Spanish” and “a huge fan of Puerto Rico,” before adding, “We love Bad Bunny! He is nearly as ‘hot’ as me — which is a big compliment, because there is nobody hotter. Happy Bad Bunny Day, America.”
The support extends beyond the governor’s office. Tim Cook also publicly praised Bad Bunny on social media, sharing a selfie with the artist ahead of the game.
A Historic Halftime Show
Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is poised to deliver an all-Spanish halftime performance at Levi’s Stadium during Super Bowl LX, marking a monumental moment for Spanish-language representation in the event’s history. The performance follows a groundbreaking year for the artist, culminating in a Grammy win.
Bad Bunny recently secured Album of the Year at the 2026 Grammy Awards, becoming the first artist to achieve this honor with a Spanish-language album. Speaking to Access Hollywood’s Scott Evans earlier this week, Bad Bunny expressed his excitement, stating, “I just want to be there. I’m just ready to do it. I want to feel it. I want people to watch it and enjoy it.”
Beyond the Music: A Voice for Change
The “Bad Bunny Day” designation arrives at a time of increased political awareness surrounding the halftime performance. Bad Bunny has been vocal about issues of immigration and identity, including a powerful statement delivered at the Grammys in Los Angeles on Feb. 1, where he declared, “ICE out… We’re not savage, we’re not animals, we’re not aliens — we are humans, and we are Americans.”
Apple Music, the official sponsor of the Super Bowl halftime show since 2023, continues its partnership with the NFL and Roc Nation, the company led by Jay-Z responsible for selecting the halftime performers. This collaboration has increasingly focused on global and multicultural representation, with Bad Bunny’s selection reflecting the NFL’s growing Spanish-speaking audience.
Super Bowl LX is scheduled to kick off on Sunday, Feb. 8, at 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT. The game and halftime show will be broadcast on NBC, streamed on Peacock, and available in Spanish on Telemundo and Universo.
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